Capital Structure and Profitability of Downstream Oil and Gas Firms Listed in Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigerian downstream oil and gas sector in the last few years have witnessed a plethora of challenges such as infrastructural decay, rising cost of importation of petroleum products (fuel, diesel, aviation fuel and kerosene) which is a fallout of breakdown of the nation’s refineries. The study examined the impact of capital structure on the profitability of firms in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria from 2000 to 2018. This study adopted an ex-post facto research design. The study employed a dynamic panel system equation of generalized method of moment. Secondary data were sourced from the annual reports of the 8 selected oil and gas companies listed in Nigeria. The study applied descriptive statistics, correlation, and unit root test as well as inferential statistics. Inferences were made at 5 percent significant level. Results showed that Debt Capital ratio had a negative and significant relationship with ROA (β = -0.0257, t=-5.147, p<0.05). Also, Equity Capital ratio had a positive and significant relationship with current ROA (β = 0.228, t=5.3015p<0.05). Lastly, Interest Rate had a positive and insignificant relationship with current ROA (β = 0.247, t=4.3521, p<0.05). The study concluded that while debt capital ratio had a significant inverse effect on firms’ profitability, equity capital ratio had a positive and significant effect on the profitability of the selected oil and gas firms. The result also affirmed that interest rate had a positive and insignificant effect on profitability of selected oil and gas firms. The study recommended that Oil and Gas sector should increase equity financing and reduce debt financing. This equity can be enhanced through increased in the amount of ploughed back profit/retained earnings and bonus issue.

Word counts: 281

Keywords: Capital Structure, Profitability, Equity capital ratio, Debt Capital ratio

DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-8-02

Publication date: April 30^th 2020